Aliso Viejo's Economy: City Manager Talks Money

This is part two in an interview series with outgoing Aliso Viejo City Manager Mark Pulone. At the end of July, Pulone will leave for a new position with Yorba Linda. You can read part one of the series here, where Pulone describes his biggest accomplishments in the city.

In part two, Pulone discusses Aliso Viejo's economy.

"I think the economy is definitely bouncing back. Sales tax is increasing significantly. We're seeing property values increase. Even the hotel continues an upward trend as relates to its occupancy. The economy is definitely improving and the city finances are getting that much better.

"The city's budget has grown significantly over the years. we've been able to subtly increase property taxes and business taxes, primary due to the businesses that have come to the cities over the years.

"One of the largest ones to have come in since I've been here was Pacific Life. They built a nine-story mid-highrise right off the toll road. That's brought hundreds of quality jobs to the city.

"Microsemi has located in the city since I've been here, Clarient, Bausch and Lomb—a division of Microsoft is here now. We're getting some very well-known national and international firms.

"I think Aliso Viejo is in a great position financially. Aliso Viejo has very strong reserves and I think the challenge for the new city manager will really be to kind of oversee the final development of Aliso Viejo, to try to ensure that the last parcels in Aliso Viejo that are yet to be developed are developed to their maximum potential, so that the city maintains a balance between jobs and housing."